Odysseus in the Underworld

The Story

Circe instructed Odysseus that he could not safely continue his journey without first consulting the dead prophet Tiresias.

Odysseus therefore travelled to the entrance of the Underworld.

There he performed the required rites and summoned the spirits of the dead.

Tiresias appeared and gave Odysseus a prophecy concerning his return to Ithaca.

The prophet warned him about the dangers that still lay ahead.

Odysseus also encountered the spirit of his mother, Anticlea.

She explained that she had died while waiting for him to return from Troy.

The encounter revealed the personal cost of his long absence.

Odysseus also saw other famous dead figures and learned more about the consequences awaiting mortals after death.

The consultation with Tiresias provided knowledge that would guide the remainder of the voyage.

But the journey also reminded Odysseus that returning home would mean confronting the losses accumulated during his absence.